The Atlanta Braves are in an odd position unable to fill out a starting rotation due to depth issues but clearly not being a buyer at this year's trade deadline. Atlanta's season continues to fall in the wrong direction as the team is now in the conversation of teams who could look to sell off veteran pieces. The one issue with this is the fact that none of Atlanta's trade options are going to attract much of a return. Underachieving veterans are the biggest reason why the Braves have found themselves in their current position.
Still, there is one team in a worse scenario than the Braves who the team could turn to as a possible trade partner. If the Braves are going to spend anything to add to the roster it is going to be finding answers for the rotation. This doesn't mean spending top-dollar for a top-of-the-rotation arm, but bargain shopping for someone capable of eating innings.
Braves Could Target Rockies' Starter Germán Márquez
Germán Márquez is in the middle of a dismal season overall but has turned the corner over his last handful of starts. This could complicate matters if the Rockies have actual contenders willing to give up anything of note for the veteran starter. Still, it is an avenue the Braves should explore, understanding the Rockies have just fired the GM and have every reason to enter an aggressive reset.
Adding the veteran starter isn't about an illusion of breathing life back into the season but sparing your bullpen and demoting Didier Fuentes. The rookie pitcher isn't ready for the next level and it is clear that this is the case for the rest of Atlanta's minor league options. There isn't one arm in the minor leagues who appears ready to make the jump into the starting rotation.
Opting to trade with the Rockies for the veteran gives you someone who can eat innings no matter the results. You aren't worried about ruining the starter's future or putting too many innings on bullpen arms you hope to play into the team's future. It is a simple fix that the Braves should be exploring in the next weeks of the season.